This is a collection of cymbals, kits, snares, kick pedals, electronic drum kits and even a set of triangles and bar chimes (guilty pleasure or essential drumming arsenal?) from Rhythm Magazine's gruelling testing process. First reviewed in Rhythm issue 181 and published on MusicRadar throughout August and September.

Roland TD-12KX electronic drum kit (£3499)

Roland has upped the ante with many new features

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The TD-12KX might come with a higher price tag than the original, but it's easy to see where your money goes. If you own the earlier version we wouldn't despair - you still have a fabulous kit that acquits itself well against the best in the world."

Gretsch Full Range Snare Drums (£316)

The company's first wooden-hoop snares for nearly 40 years

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"By the number of wooden-hooped snares currently in production (a surprising proportion of them having been commissioned or endorsed by serious players), such drums are clearly versatile enough for use as a main snare. This pair of Gretsch drums provides two more reasons to consider investing in an alternative to a metal-hooped snare."

DDRUM Reflex drum kit (£899)

A mid-range kit with spectacular looks and customisable lugs

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Heads issue aside, for what it is - a wrapped shellpack without stands - the kit seems expensive, particularly when compared to the non-Delmar ﬁnish options. At this price, the Delmar-wrapped Reﬂex is not just undercut by other brands, but bizarrely, by ddrum's own superior ranges.”

DW 2000 Series pedal (£76)

A new entry point to a brand noted for its hardware

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"DW's pro pedals are among the best in the world and are the choice of countless name drummers, including a number of high-profile players who endorse rival drums but not the pedals. The 2000's real USP is the fact that they are unmistakably DW pedals and, as such, are impossible to confuse with anything else."

Zildjian Oriental China Trashes and ZXT Trashformers (£273)

Four new models expand Zildjan's effects range further

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Cymbal makers continuing to expand the choice of effects cymbals can only be a reﬂection of drummers' appetites for new sounds. What once were considered add-ons are now an essential ingredient of many set-ups. These cymbals provide more options for the drummer keen to expand their tonal and textural palette."

Sabian B8 Triangles and Bar Chimes (£42)

Percussion accessories from the cymbal giant

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The humble triangle has in fact been around since the 16th century, and can be found not only in classical settings. Yes famously featured a cool triangle intro on a track from their Tormato LP and the slinky Pink Panther theme also benefitted from its addition, proving that there are indeed three sides to every story. The bar chimes again shouldn't be considered exclusive to prog rock, and add a beautiful vibe when played in the right place.”